Three Onion Soup Gratinée Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic
There’s something about the combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in a well-crafted onion soup that brings comfort to both the soul and the stomach. This Three Onion Soup Gratinée is a beautiful rendition of that classic French dish, where three different types of onions—Vidalia, red, and yellow—meld together in a rich, velvety broth topped with golden, bubbling cheese and crispy baguette slices. If you’re looking for a soup that will impress guests or comfort your family after a long day, this is the one to make.
In this recipe, the onions are caramelized to perfection, coaxing out their natural sweetness, while the addition of fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch that deepens the flavor profile. The final touch? A crisp slice of baguette, topped with melting Gouda cheese, browned to perfection under the broiler. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a sophisticated starter for a special meal, this Three Onion Soup Gratinée is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Recipe Overview
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Clear Soup
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Cuisine Type: European
Ingredients
To create this heavenly soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Sweet onions (Vidalia) | 2 large, thinly sliced |
| Red onions | 2 medium, thinly sliced |
| Yellow onions | 2 medium, thinly sliced |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 3/4 tsp |
| Beef or vegetable stock | 3 1/2 cups |
| Baguette | 1, sliced into rounds |
| Gouda cheese | 1 1/2 cups, grated |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content of this rich and flavorful soup:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 317.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 8.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.4 mg |
| Sodium | 677.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 49.1 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6.8 g |
| Protein | 11.9 g |
Instructions
-
Melt the Butter
Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter to the pot and allow it to melt slowly, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn. -
Caramelize the Onions
Once the butter has melted, add the sweet onions (Vidalia), red onions, and yellow onions to the pot. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and coat the onions in the melted butter. -
Cook the Onions
Continue to sauté the onions over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to slowly caramelize the onions, turning them a rich, golden brown. Be patient here—this step is key to developing the deep, sweet flavors that make this soup so special. -
Add the Flour
Once the onions are nicely caramelized, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions. Stir the mixture well until the flour is fully absorbed and no longer visible. This will help thicken the soup later. -
Add the Stock and Thyme
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Gradually add the stock of your choice (beef or vegetable), along with the fresh thyme leaves. Stir to combine, making sure to loosen any bits of caramelized onions stuck to the bottom of the pot. -
Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour. During this time, the soup will thicken slightly and develop a medium-brown color. Stir occasionally, and taste as you go, adjusting the seasonings to your preference. -
Prepare the Toppings
Preheat your broiler to high. While the soup is simmering, slice the baguette into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and set them aside for the final step. -
Assemble the Soup
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into individual broiler-proof bowls. Place one slice of baguette into each bowl. Sprinkle generously with the grated Gouda cheese. -
Broil the Soup
Place the bowls under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling. Keep a close eye on the soup to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted and turned a delicious golden hue, remove the bowls from the broiler and serve immediately. The combination of rich onion broth, crispy toast, and melted cheese is absolutely irresistible.
Tips for the Best Three Onion Soup Gratinée
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Onion Variety: Vidalia onions are a great choice for their natural sweetness, but you can substitute other sweet onions if they’re not in season. Red and yellow onions provide a perfect balance of flavor and color.
-
Stock Options: Using a combination of beef and vegetable stocks adds a deep, savory richness to the soup. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to use all vegetable stock or even chicken stock.
-
Cheese Substitution: Gouda is a wonderful melting cheese that creates a beautifully bubbly topping. However, Gruyère or Swiss cheese would work equally well if you prefer those flavors.
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Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove and prepare the toasted baguette and cheese topping just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
While this Three Onion Soup Gratinée is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a savory quiche, a creamy potato gratin, or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. This soup also makes an excellent appetizer for a French-inspired dinner party or a cozy family meal.
Conclusion
This Three Onion Soup Gratinée is a sophisticated yet comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of caramelized onions with the savory richness of cheese and broth. With a simple, easy-to-follow process, this recipe brings a touch of classic European cuisine into your home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup is sure to delight. The satisfying, melty cheese and crispy toast create a perfect contrast with the velvety smooth broth, ensuring every spoonful is a delight.
Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and share the joy of this delightful soup with those around you. It’s a timeless classic that will warm both your heart and your kitchen.
Keywords: onion soup, French onion soup, onion gratinée, savory soups, vegetable soup, cheese soup, comforting soup, French recipe, homemade soup, hearty soup
